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Insects
There are several different varieties of ants that can invade the home and all ants based upon the colony needs switch between feeding either on carbohydrates (sugar) or proteins such that found in meat fat (grease), meats and other insects.
The most common one found in homes is probably the Odorous House Ant, so named due to the release of an acrid odor when smashed. This ant is also quite prolific.
Another type of ant that is of some contention is the Pharaoh Ant. It is very tiny in size and has a white almost ghostly like appearance. Each time an insecticide aerosol is used on this type of ant, it can cause the colony to divide.
Carpenter Ants are another common type of ant that is usually black and large in size. Their most common place of habitation is trees. However they can also be found in log homes. These ants chew into wood in order to create their dwelling. They can find ample dwelling room in 2x4, 4x4 and boards nailed together as well as hollow tubes such as the base of mini blinds.
Smoky Brown, Brown Banded, American, Oriental and German Cockroaches are the five different variations of roaches generally found in the home with the most common being the German Cockroach. This type is very common in the Southwest Missouri area. They can be found even in the cleanest of places, thus there is no shame at finding them present. However, it is a shame to not have them taken care of. These type of roaches carry disease and prolonged contact with a large numbers can lead to an asthmatic affect in individuals. Prolonged contact in the case of children can lead to a permanent asthmatic condition. With professional assistance these pest can be taken care of. The larger the number of roaches, the longer it will take to alleviate the problem.
Spiders are another common pest found in the home. Common varieties include the House Spider, the Cellar Spider, and the Jumping Spider. Four varieties that pose a health threat are the Wolf, Black Widow, Brown Recluse.
The Wolf Spider is a somewhat uncommon species, which is not generally found in the home, but found outdoors. It is a large predatory non-web building spider.
The Black Widow has not been common in the past but seems to have increased in number over the past few years and is sometimes confused with the Black Jumping Spider which is furry in appearance and has short legs. The Black Widow is shiny black, non-furry in appearance and has long legs as well as a red hourglass shape found on the underside of the abdomen and not on its back like the Black Jumping Spider. Immature baby Black Widows are non-poisonous.
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Black Widow
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Brown Recluse
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Range of recluse (genus Loxosceles) spiders
in the United States. |
The Brown Recluse is the most common type of spider found in most homes though generally not seen. As its name implies it usually stays reclusive and hidden. The affect of their bite depends on the amount of venom received and the individual bitten, it can be of little affect or there may be need of medical attention within a short span of time due to the possibility of a serious or life threatening outcome. All data available at this time indicate that the Brown Recluse cannot bite on its own but must be smashed against an individual in some way in order for a bite to take place and venom injected. Thus areas such as the bed or clothes in closets that have not been worn in some time can be an area in which a bite is likely to occur. However, every day disturbances of these areas keeps them at bay.
Other types of insects commonly treated for are Boxelder Bugs, Fleas, Silverfish, Ticks and Wasps. All chemicals we use are state and EPA (Environment Protection Agency) approved for use in homes and restaurants.
When treating the home professionally for insects, all occupants need to remain outside the home for 30 minutes. When treating professionally for fleas, all occupants need to stay out of the home for 3 hours. Also when treating for fleas, just prior to our arrival, the homeowner needs to vacuum the whole house including floors without carpet, then immediately remove the vacuum bag from the house into the trash to prevent reinfestation. This vibrates the floor and causes the fleas that are ready to emerge to go ahead and do so and also removes some of the fleas. Then after the treatment the homeowner needs, upon reentry, to vacuum all the floors again and remove that bag from the house as well.
At the time of treatment for insects or fleas it is also necessary cover or remove (if needed) any birds fish or reptiles and then let the professional do the rest.
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